Dispelling anti-sunscreen myths among Latinos
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As extreme heat increases and global warming heightens the risks from UV radiation, Latinos' historically lower rates of sunscreen use could expose them to dangerous conditions.
Why it matters: Rates of melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) have risen 20% for Hispanics in the U.S. in the last two decades, the most recent studies show.
- Plus, when skin cancer is detected in Latinos, it's usually at a more advanced stage that's harder to treat.
Sunscreen is a key preventive measure, and it can also help fight off other skin issues, such as pigmentation or blemishes in darker skin tones, dermatologist Henry Lim tells Axios' Carly Mallenbaum.
- Yes, but: Research has shown sometimes as little as 9% of Latinos in the U.S. report regular sunscreen usage, compared to an average of 26% for non-Hispanic white people.
What they're saying: "There's misunderstandings and misinformation, like the old wives' tale that if you have more melanin, you'll be ok without protection, or that all sunscreen makes you look like a ghost," says Ramón Pagán, a cosmetic chemist who runs popular social media accounts testing sunscreens on brown skin and demystifying cosmetic ingredients.
- But melanin alone is less protective than many think, he says, adding that there's increased availability of sunscreens in the U.S. with high protection "that aren't heavy or greasy or leave a white cast." That includes one Pagán helped formulate.
- "I feel there's a changing conversation and attitude around sunscreen, an awareness that's turning the tide, thankfully," he tells Axios Latino.
To properly apply sunscreen, it's important to use about two fingers worth for the face and neck alone, or otherwise you don't get the SPF level in the bottle, Pagán says.
- Reapplying is also key — at least every two hours if under the sun or exposed to water or sweat — and thanks to cosmetic innovations can now be done with face powders, sticks and mists.
Between the lines: A 2022 study found that when shown images of skin damaged by a sunburn or tan, Latinos were far more likely to say they'd start using sunscreen consistently in both summer and winter.
- The study was part of a slowly growing body of research into how dermatological issues affect people of color.
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